A KIND-hearted karate instructor and young carer has once again been recognised for her achievements.
Bethan Owen, 17, is a finalist in the Rising Star category at Chwarae Teg’s Womenspire Awards.
As part of the award, the Bodelwyddan teen’s accomplishments from such a young age, and the promise she shows for the future, will be celebrated.
The Rhyl College student and founder of a not-for-profit karate club in Rhyl has been helping to take care of her mum, who has epilepsy, from a young age.
At aged seven, she started learning karate by way of a distraction and by 12, she was a black belt and qualified karate instructor.
Bethan's class before lockdown
Her club - BKA Karate - attracts carers of all ages.
During lockdown, Bethan, a volunteer police cadets, has run online classes from her garden shed.
Bethan said: “I just like to keep busy and I think karate gives people the chance to learn a really useful skill, meet new people, make friends and build confidence. Seeing the change in someone from when they step into their first class and seeing them grow is so rewarding. Particularly for young carers.
“I remember what is was like, often finding it hard to relate to people and difficult to open up, but now people open up to me and I understand how to support them.”
“When lockdown began I wanted to make sure the connections I have with those who come to the club weren’t lost, so I offered classes online and they’ve work really well.”
Garry Owen, Bethan's dad, said: "Beth was excited to hear she was a finalist. She has been working so hard through the lockdown teaching every week for free also just last week winning bronze in the black belt section in the internationals [Bethan's student Emily got silver in the advanced section, both for Wales], she entered a Taekwondo do competition with her karate and also took silver.
Bethan has provided online classes with her Dad since lockdown began
"Bethan will be glad to get back to her physical classes as we can only train outside for now which is weather permitting.
"To be nominated is fantastic news in these uncertain times."
Cerys Furlong, chief executive of Chwarae Teg: “Bethan is an inspiration to people young and old and a real role model particularly for girls. She has demonstrated tremendous strength of character for someone so young and achieved so much already, even continuing to provide a service during lockdown.
“That’s what Womenspire is all about – recognising incredible women.
“We want to shine a light on Bethan and other remarkable women like her across all walks of life who make such a difference to others.”
Chwarae Teg’s Womenspire 2020 ceremony is on September 29.
Bethan has won a string of accolades. In the past she has been honoured with the British Citizen Youth Award in the Palace of Westminster, was named the winner of the St David Award; has received a ‘Point of Light’ Award from Prime Minister Theresa May. She has also been honoured into the United States Martial Artist Association’s Hall of Fame.
The event will take place online across social media this year due to Covid-19. Visit chwaraeteg.com/projects/womenspire
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